"Begin now to prepare yourselves to take an active part in your government, to prove that our government is a practicable one because its leading citizens are willing to put their shoulders to the wheel," Hon. Leverett Saltonstall '14, speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, told the class of 1936, assembled for the first time as a body in the Large Dining Room of the Freshman Union last night.

Growth of Government

"Never before in our history has government, national, state, and local, been in closer touch with our lives, business, and every move," Saltonstall said. "We feel the closeness of this touch every time we benefit by a new service of the government or are called upon to pay for it." Pointing out that government has grown faster during the last decade than any great industry, he deplored its failure to attract a corresponding amount of brains.

"You are here to fit yourselves for your various professions," he told the Freshmen. "Why not have in the background the thought of fitting yourselves for public office? We are in the midst of our difficulties. To solve our problems we need the ability, the courage, of you gentlemen and others who are entering colleges all over the country this year."

Hanford and Sperry

Besides Mr. Saltonstall, the speakers who addressed the class following a buffet supper, included A. C. Hanford, dean of Harvard College, and W. L. Sperry, dean of the Theological School and chairman of the Board of Preachers. Welcoming the class to Harvard, Dean Hanford touched upon a few highlights in the history of the University and explained the purpose of the House Plan. President Lowell was present but did not speak.

Urging the Freshmen very effectively to make the most of their religious opportunities at Harvard, Dean Sperry said: "The University has paid you the compliment of assuming, first, that you are a gentleman, and, second, that you are a man, a man morally and religiously."